How to Deal with an Injury with a Syringe at Work

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Those who work in the medical field are exposed to the risk of injury from needles and other tools used to puncture or tear the skin. In fact, it is estimated that more than 600,000 needle injuries occur to medical professionals in the United States each year, each representing possible exposure to diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. A needle injury can happen easily and infection can follow - so immediate precautions are essential to avoid it. Start with step 1 to find out what to do.

Steps =

Part 1 of 4: First Aid Care

Step 1. Stimulate bleeding at the puncture site

Do this by holding the area under cold water for several minutes. This way potential infectious agents will be expelled from the wound and washed away, minimizing the chance of them entering the bloodstream. After the virus has entered the bloodstream, it may start to multiply, so the best remedy is to stop it altogether.

Step 2. Wash the wound

Gently wash the area where you injured yourself with plenty of soap after you bleed the wound. This will help you eliminate viruses and bacteria, removing the sources of infections and reducing the likelihood of them.

• Do not rub the wound when you wash it. You could make it worse.
• Do not try never to suck the wound.

Step 3. Dry and cover the wound

Use sterile material to dry the wound and immediately cover it with a waterproof bandage or plaster.

Step 4. Remove blood splatters and syringe contents from other parts of the body with water

If the contents of the syringe have splashed on your nose, mouth, face or other areas of the skin, wash them well with soap.

Step 5. Flush your eyes with saline, pure water, or sterile irrigants

Gently wash your eyes if you have splashes in that area.

Step 6. Take off and change potentially contaminated clothing

Put the clothes in a sealed bag and wash and sterilize them as soon as possible. After undressing, wash your hands and body parts that have been in contact with potentially infected clothing before putting on new ones.

Part 2 of 4: Medical Care

Step 1. Seek medical attention right away

You will need to explain the circumstances of the injury and discuss possible exposure to the disease. You may need to have a blood test to determine if other treatments are needed.

• If you have known exposure to other pathogens, you will be given immediate treatment. These can include antibiotics and vaccines.
• You may need a tetanus shot, depending on your history.

Step 2. Determine if HIV exposure is possible

You should immediately take steps to prevent seroconversion. Scientists have shown that seroconversion due to needle injuries for HIV is about 0.03%. This percentage is very low, so don't panic.

• The injured person and the one whose blood is the potential infectious agent will be tested for HIV. Hospitals and other medical facilities have rapid HIV tests available.
• If exposure is likely, prophylactic drugs (post exposure prophylaxis) should be given, preferably within one hour. Antiretroviral drugs can reduce the rate of transmission if given shortly after possible infection. All clinics and hospitals have a protocol for responding to needle injuries promptly.

Step 3. Determine if other exposures are possible

The risk of hepatitis infection is much higher than that of HIV (about 30% for hepatitis B and about 10% for hepatitis C), so an immediate reaction is essential, in combination with preventive measures (or vaccination against hepatitis).

Part 3 of 4: Below

Step 1. Report the incident

Check the procedures in place in your workplace. It is important to let your employers know what has happened, and statistics on these types of injuries can help improve work practices for everyone's safety. This also applies in the case of injuries with sterile and clean needles.

Step 2. Undergo control tests and medical supervision of your recovery

You should do this at the specified intervals during the incubation period, when the test result will be negative even though the virus may be multiplying.

• HIV control tests usually need to be done after 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months, looking for HIV antibodies.
• Tests for hepatitis antibodies should be done six weeks after the injury, and again after 4 or 6 months.

Part 4 of 4: Prevention and Awareness

Step 1. Prepare an action plan for the next time

If you don't already have a protocol for dealing with needle injuries in your workplace, create one. You can find free information on these protocols on the internet or in hospitals.

Step 2. Ensure safe working practices at all times

The World Health Organization recommends the following strategies for work environments where syringes are used:

• Wash your hands after direct contact with a patient.

  

• Use protective barriers such as gloves, aprons, gowns, masks, and goggles when in direct contact with blood and other body fluids.

  

• Collect and discard needles and sharp objects according to safety measures. Use puncture-proof and waterproof containers in each area where patients are treated.

  

• Avoid putting the cap back on the syringes with two hands. Use the one-handed technique.

  

• Cover all cuts and abrasions with waterproof bandages.

  

• Clean up splashes of blood and other body fluids immediately and carefully WITH GLOVES.

  

• Use a safe system for the management and disposal of biological waste.

  

Step 3. Ensure safety practices in other work environments

Tattoo shops, piercing shops and many other workplaces expose those who work there to the risk of syringe injuries. Take the following precautions:

• Wear appropriate clothing and protective equipment when handling potentially hazardous items such as garbage bags or when collecting litter.

  

• Be careful when putting your hands in places you can't see, such as sink drains, holes, behind beds and sofas, etc.

  

• Wear solid shoes when walking or working in areas where drug use is frequent, such as parks, beaches, public transport stations, etc.

  

Step 4. Avoid unnecessary distractions when working with needles and syringes

Always focus on your work and what you are doing.

• Avoid looking away or working in low light when handling needles.

  

• Watch out for agitated or panicked patients who may move when you insert or remove the needle. Reassure them and only insert the needle when you are sure you can do it safely.